Daily Current Affairs MCQ: 5th October 2024 - UPSC MCQ

1. Crop selection - Guidelines for choosing the most suitable crop based on soil and climate.
This statement is correctly matched. The National Agriculture Code aims to provide guidance for crop selection based on factors like soil health and climate conditions to maximize agricultural efficiency.
2. Natural farming - Use of synthetic chemicals to enhance crop production.
This statement is incorrectly matched. Natural farming focuses on avoiding synthetic chemicals, instead relying on natural processes and organic methods to support crop growth.
3. Plant health management - Techniques to prevent and control plant diseases.
This statement is correctly matched. Plant health management involves strategies and techniques to prevent and manage diseases and pests, ensuring healthy crop growth.
4. Traceability - Tracking the history and location of a crop from field to consumer.
This statement is correctly matched. Traceability is a crucial component of the NAC, allowing for the tracking of agricultural products through all stages of production, processing, and distribution.
Thus, three pairs are correctly matched.

Answer: (a)

Explanation:
Statement I is correct because Pseumenes siangensis is a newly discovered species in Arunachal Pradesh's Upper Siang District. Statement II is incorrect, as the larvae of Pseumenes siangensis primarily consume caterpillars and insects, not plants. Statement III is correct because the species constructs pot-like mud nests, which is typical of potter wasps. Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer.

Ceres was reclassified as a dwarf planet in 2006 primarily due to its size and distinct characteristics. Unlike major planets, dwarf planets lack the mass to clear their orbital path of smaller bodies, leading to their classification based on specific criteria set by the International Astronomical Union.

- Statement 1 is correct. The Negro River is indeed the largest blackwater river globally. Its dark coloration is due to the high tannin content leached from decaying vegetation, and it is characterized by low sediment levels, making it one of the cleanest rivers.

- Statement 2 is correct. The river originates from multiple headstreams in the rainforests of eastern Colombia, including the Vaupés and Guainía rivers. It flows southeast, collecting tributaries like the Branco River, and merges with the Solimões River at Manaus, Brazil, forming the Amazon River.

- Statement 3 is incorrect. While the Central Amazon Ecological Corridor, which includes areas along the Negro River, is a significant protected area, the statement claiming it's the largest protected area in the world is an overstatement. It is one of the largest, covering 52 million hectares, but not the largest globally. Other protected areas, such as the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area, cover larger areas.

Thus, the correct answer is Option B: 1 and 2 Only.

Statement-I correctly states that Ceres is the only dwarf planet located within the inner solar system, which is accurate based on the information provided.
Statement-II is also accurate as it describes the radius of Ceres, providing a specific measurement that aligns with the details mentioned in the source material. This statement further supports Statement-I by providing additional context about Ceres' size relative to Earth. Thus, Statement-II explains Statement-I, making option (a) the correct answer choice.

Statement-I correctly describes Motor Neuron Disease (MND) as a condition that leads to muscle weakness and visible muscle wasting. However, Statement-II is incorrect as MND primarily affects older adults, particularly those in their 60s and 70s, although it can also impact younger adults, but not typically in their 20s and 30s. MND is not commonly seen in individuals that young; it predominantly affects older age groups.

The National Agriculture Code (NAC) aims to set standards for managing agricultural inputs, including the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and weedicides. It is designed to encompass the entire agricultural cycle, providing guidance for various agricultural processes and post-harvest activities. This initiative by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) seeks to enhance agricultural practices in India by ensuring quality and sustainability throughout the agrifood value chain.

To determine which of the given statements about Ceres are correct, let's analyze each statement:

1. Ceres is the only dwarf planet located within the inner solar system.

- This statement is correct. Ceres is situated in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter, which is part of the inner solar system. It is the only recognized dwarf planet in this region.

2. Ceres completes one orbit around the Sun in approximately 687 Earth days.

- This statement is incorrect. Ceres takes approximately 1,682 Earth days to complete one orbit around the Sun. The figure 687 days is actually the orbital period of Mars, not Ceres.

3. Ceres was initially classified as an asteroid before being reclassified as a dwarf planet in 2006.

- This statement is correct. Ceres was discovered in 1801 and initially classified as an asteroid. However, due to its size and characteristics, it was reclassified as a dwarf planet by the International Astronomical Union (IAU) in 2006.

Therefore, the correct statements are 1 and 3. Hence, the correct answer is Option C: 1 and 3 Only.

The name "Negro," derived from Portuguese meaning "black," holds significance in describing the Rio Negro river's dark water coloration. This unique characteristic stems from the decomposition of organic matter and the presence of tannins leached from surrounding vegetation, giving the river its distinct appearance.

Answer: (a)

Explanation:
Statement I is correct because EnviStats India 2024 reports a 72% increase in the number of Total Protected Areas from 2000 to 2023. Statement II is also correct, as the report includes details on India’s taxonomic diversity and species richness based on the IUCN Red List. Statement III is incorrect because EnviStats India 2024 covers various environmental aspects such as ocean accounts, biodiversity, and soil nutrient index, not just energy accounts. Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer.